Melon Bicycles

Melon Bicycle

Industry	Bicycle
Founded	2008-05-01
Headquarters	Candler, North Carolina, United States
Key people	Loran Evans (Melon founder)
Products	Folding bicycle
Website	www.melonbicycles.com

Melon Bicycles is a brand of folding bicycle produced by Lakeland Gear Inc. located in Candler, North Carolina just adjacent to Asheville, North Carolina. Melon was founded in July 2008 by Loran Evans, the current President and CEO of the company, as well as Rightline Gear. Originally based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Evans was inspired to create a bicycle that was more convenient for recreational riders. Motivated by neighbors with bulky bikes, Evans' goal was to design an easy to ride, easy to transport bike, without sacrificing performance. Many cyclists refer to the company as Melon Bikes, Melon Bicycles, or simply Melon. Melon completes its manufacturing in Taiwanese factories.^[1]

Melon is currently working in collaboration with Turner Broadcasting System, Chick-fil-A, and others in an effort to improve overall health and wellness. This program encourages employees to ride their bikes to work, thus cutting down on car pollution.

Uses

Melon bikes are designed to be multifunctional and can be used for fitness, recreation, commuting, or travel. Melon currently has one model on the market, the Slice. A slack head tube angle and long wheelbase distinguish Melon from some other folding bikes. These features allow for increased performance, however its dimensions may constrain potential riders who are over 6'3". Although the Melon can be used by commuters, its intended function is as an alternative to conventional hybrid, comfort, and fitness bicycles with all of the advantages of a folding bike.^[2]

Folding System

Melon Slice bicycle is portable with dimensions: 34"L x 27"H x 13"W.

52T Chainring.

The Melon Slice folding system is relatively conventional and straightforward. First, it folds at the pedals and then at the handlebar stem. The bike is then folded in the middle of the top tube so that the two halves come together. With practice, the bike can be folded in about 15 seconds. The folded size of the bike is 34”L x 27”H x 13”W.^[1]

Specifications

The Melon Bicycles Slice model’s frame and fork is made from 7005 aluminum. The Slice uses a large size 52T chainring and a 12-25T cassette to provide enough of a gear range to conquer all terrains with only 8 speeds. Grip shifters are used for shifting with an easy to read display indicating the current gear chosen. The Slice uses 20” wheels (406mm) in the 1.75” width. The bicycle geometry features a slacker head tube angle than most folding bikes which provides for smooth riding and greater maneuverability.^{[citation needed]} The bike’s frame is generally built to accommodate common "industry-standard" components such as brakes and gear systems. The bike will accommodate riders up to 6’ 3” in height.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

Melon offers multiple accessories. Many municipal bus and train lines require that bikes brought on board be kept transported in a bag.^[3] A Folding Bike Carry Bag carries the bike when folded and attaches to the bikes handlebars by Velcro when not in use. In this position, it has a water bottle holder and cell phone pocket that can be accessed by the rider. When used to carry the folded bike, the bag has a set of carry handles, an adjustable shoulder strap, and an outer zippered pocket.

The Melon Slice folding bike can be outfitted with a pair of mud guards to keep rain and dirt from soiling the riders clothing. The mud guards bolt on to the front fork and the rear reflector frame member.

Weaknesses

As previously mentioned, the Slice model has relatively strict height and weight limits. It is also considered expensive by some. Finally, the Slice's color options are currently restricted to only red or white.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Use your Melon". Melon Bicycles. http://www.melonbicycles.com. Retrieved 2010-06-28. 
2. ^ "The Folding Bike Solution". Transportation Alternatives. http://www.transalt.org/resources/foldingbikes. Retrieved 2010-06-28. 
3. ^ "The History of the Folding Bike". The Folding Cyclist. http://www.foldingcyclist.com/folding-bike-history.html. Retrieved 2010-06-28. 

External links

• Melon Bicycles official Page
• On Test: Melon Slice, Bicycle Times Magazine, March 1, 2010, pp. 40–41, http://www.bicycletimesmag.com/content/test-melon-slice, retrieved 2010-06-28 ^{[dead link]}
• "Melon Bicycles-Slice Review". Bike Commuters. December 2, 2009. http://www.bikecommuters.com/?s=Melon. Retrieved 2010-06-28. 
• "Product Review : Melon Slice folding bike". One Less Car Review. http://www.1lesscar.com/reviews/slice1.html. Retrieved 2010-06-28.